"Well, Kit I actually do have to get back to work. I did come by to invite you to our, uh Bette’s house this weekend." Damn it, Tina. You did it again. It’s not your house. Not yet. "But the real reason I came by was to pay you back for the damage. When you figure out how much you lost between the chairs and the glasses, and who knows what else, please let me know. It’s not fair for you to have to deal with the insurance company and higher premiums. Just please let me take care of it."

Kit began to protest when Tina abruptly stopped her by standing up and gathering her purse. "Nope. That’s it. I’ve spoken. Let me know when you have a number."

Tina reached out her arms for a hug, which Kit happily walked into. "Alright, Tina. I’ll see you two this weekend. So glad to have you back. I’ve missed my sister-in-law." Tina gave Kit a squeeze, "Me too, Kit."

Kit joined Tina as she headed for the exit of the Planet, having no intention of ever giving her a tally. While walking out, Tina slowly turned and stopped. "Um, Kit? About the party. I was thinking of inviting Angus. But I wanted to check with you first, so if you’re not comfortable with him being there, or if you want to invite him yourself,…it’s totally up to you. I just, I don’t know, it looked like you two were kind of getting along at Tasha’s party."

Kit’s heart fluttered slightly at the mention of his name. He has been trying so hard. He’s been so helpful and supportive. Taking me to meetings. Checking in on me. He is my ‘sweet-ass white boy’.

Kit’s slight grin betrayed the cool casual indifference she was trying to project. "You can invite him. That would be kinda nice", she admitted, looking at her shoes. Tina nodded knowingly with a hint of a grin herself. Tina took her hand and squeezed it. "Okay, then. Bye Kit."After watching Tina safely cross the street to her car, Kit turned and began walking back to her office. Within moments a man’s voice called out, "Excuse me, Miss. Do you know where I could find a Katherine Porter?"

Kit turned around, trying to decide what surprised her more, being called ‘Katherine’, or being called ‘Miss’. The man standing before her looked to be in his mid-fifties. His skin was a sun-deprived ivory, complimented perfectly by his white hair. He was dressed in an impeccably tailored three-piece suit, and carried a simple but elegant brown leather briefcase. "I’m Kit Porter", she said warily.

The man set his briefcase down on a nearby table and opened it, removing an unmarked envelope. He abruptly held it out for her and simply said, "Then, this is for you." His manner of speaking gave the impression that this man had known few joys in his life. Noticing the wedding ring on his hand, Kit imagined the same could be said of his unfortunate wife.

"What’s this?", she asked as she reached for it.

"It’s for you. From Faye Buckley."

Kit quickly recoiled her hand at hearing the woman’s name. "Nice try", she huffed. "You think this is the first time somebody’s tried to hand me a subpoena?"

"I assure you Miss, it’s nothing of the sort", the man said coldly.

"Well, I don’t care. I’m not touchin’ it. Take it back and tell her I don’t want it."

"Miss Porter, I’m not paid to follow your instructions. I’m paid to follow Mrs. Buckley’s instructions, and those instructions are to give this to you."

Kit engaged in a staring contest with the man as she folded her arms across her chest and raised her eyebrows, indicating she had no intention of accepting the envelope. The man, becoming exasperated and bored with the conversation begrudgingly opened the envelope and pulled out the sole content. He held his hand at arms length so that Kit could examine it.

Her eyes widened and her arms numbly fell limp as she examined the bank draft. "Get the fuck out of here!!"

TBC